In a bid to crack down on impaired driving in Ontario, the Ford government is planning to introduce a series of new measures, including lifetime driving bans for those convicted of impaired driving causing death and mandatory ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced the proposed new measures on Wednesday, emphasizing the devastating impact drunk driving has on families and communities. According to the government, one in three deaths on Ontario roads involves impaired driving, and a 2022 study found that one in five drivers stopped were under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. The proposed legislation would also increase immediate roadside license suspensions for first and second-time alcohol and drug-related offenses and clarify the rules allowing police to stop vehicles for sobriety tests. In addition to the impaired driving measures, the government is expected to unveil a new bill outlining license suspensions for car thieves, including the possibility of a lifetime driving ban for those convicted three times. These measures come after the government announced earlier this week that car thieves convicted with aggravating factors like violence could face escalating license suspensions. The announcement of these new measures has been met with praise from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Steve Sullivan, CEO of MADD Canada, said that while progress has been made, too many people continue to drive under the influence, and these new sanctions will help to hold drivers accountable while focusing on reducing recidivism. The proposed legislation is expected to be tabled on Thursday.
Ontario Unveils New Crackdown on Impaired Driving, Including Lifetime Bans and Ignition Interlocks
